Employee wellness is a must in every business, as it is crucial for employees to stay healthy and productive at work. The benefits of workplace wellness programs are numerous and can help reduce health costs in the long run.
It also improves morale and helps reduce absenteeism. This is important for businesses, as absenteeism is one of the main reasons for employee turnover.
Healthier Employees
Employees are more productive and successful when they feel healthy. This is because they are less likely to be fatigued, anxious or depressed which means they can work more efficiently and better handle the challenges that may arise in their daily tasks.
As a result, employers can save a substantial amount of money by ensuring their employees are well and happy. In fact, studies have shown that healthy employees cost a business up to 25% less in healthcare costs and insurance premiums.
Moreover, workplaces that prioritize health can attract and retain top talent. This is especially important with millennials now accounting for 50% of the workforce worldwide, which makes them increasingly business-critical.
Increased Productivity
Increased productivity is a vital goal of any business. It ensures higher output, more efficient utilisation of resources and lesser cost of production.
Moreover, improved productivity increases living standards by satisfying more human needs with the same amount of input. This also results in greater economic growth and increased tax revenue to fund social services such as education, health care, welfare, public transport and research.
Productivity in the workplace is important because it helps employees complete their work efficiently and without stress. It allows them to focus on their job and responsibilities, which in turn boosts morale.
Reduced Absenteeism
Employee absenteeism is a problem that costs companies money. While it may not be possible to eliminate all unplanned absences, employers can take steps to reduce their rate of absenteeism.
While there are reasonable reasons to be absent from work, such as vacation or illness, chronic absenteeism is a serious issue that can impact productivity and workplace morale.
A healthy and happy workforce is a key part of any business’s success, so creating a workplace that prioritizes wellness is a great way to reduce absenteeism.
While it isn’t possible to completely eliminate absenteeism, managers can use tracking tools to determine why employees are missing work. This allows them to create an employee attendance policy that is fair and effective. By using this data, they can make changes to reduce absenteeism and help their company grow.
Increased Job Satisfaction
A healthy workplace has a great impact on the overall satisfaction of the workforce. Studies have shown that increased job satisfaction leads to higher retention and better bottom line results.
Aside from the fact that it is important for employee productivity and morale, wellness programs also help employees maintain their mental health. This can be achieved by implementing healthy practices like exercising, meditation, nap times, and other programs that help them reduce stress and boost their immune system.
In addition to these benefits, many studies have shown that wellness programs increase extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction levels. Additionally, research has found that a wellness program can help attract top talent to the organization.
Increased Employee Engagement
Aside from improving employee health, wellness programs also have a positive impact on engagement. Studies have shown that employees who are engaged at work have higher levels of productivity and are more committed to the company than their disengaged counterparts.
While many employees feel that wellness programs do not directly improve their level of engagement, a healthy workplace is a great place to start. This is because a positive work environment encourages employees to stay motivated and focused on their work.
Moreover, workplace wellness can reduce financial stress, which is one of the biggest reasons why employees leave a job. In fact, PWC found that 78 percent of financially stressed employees would consider changing jobs to find a company that cares more about their well-being.